Australia, South Korea keep World Cup hopes alive

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Australia improved its chances of qualifying for a third consecutive World Cup with a 4-0 win over Jordan, and South Korea moved within a point of progressing for the eighth straight time by beating Uzbekistan 1-0 in Asian qualifiers on Tuesday night.

Robbie Kruse scored and set up two goals for Australia (2-1-4), which moved into second place in Group B with 10 points with one game left. First-place Japan (4-1-2), which last week became the first team to clinch a berth, was at last-place Iraq (1-3-2) later Tuesday.

Australia closes at home against Iraq on June 18 when Oman (2-2-3), which trails Australia by one point, is at Jordan (2-4-1). The top two teams in each group advance.

Goals by Mark Bresciano in the 15th minute and Tim Cahill in the 61st, both off Kruse passes, built Australia's lead at Melbourne. Kruse scored in the 76th, and Lucas Neill added his first international in the 84th

At Seoul, Akmal Shorakhmedov's own goal in the 42nd minute boosted Group A leader South Korea (4-1-2), which is three points ahead of Uzbekistan (3-2-2). Iran (3-2-1), one point behind the Uzbeks, hosted last-place Lebanon (1-4-2) later Tuesday.